Introduction

Since 2016, when Stranger Things dropped onto our screens like a Demogorgon out of the Upside Down, it’s been a whirlwind of supernatural shenanigans and heartwarming nostalgia. From a simple tale about a missing kid and a girl with psychic powers to a sprawling saga filled with monsters and mind-bending crises, each season has given us plenty to talk (and binge-watch) about. But let’s be honest—not all seasons are created equal. So, grab your Eggo waffles as we rank every season of Stranger Things from the ‘Best Thing Ever’ to the ‘Eh, Could’ve Been Better’ category.

5. Season 2: The Struggle is Real

Welcome back to Hawkins, folks! In Season 2, our boy Will is home, but he’s not exactly throwing any house parties. He’s haunted by weird visions of the Mind Flayer like it’s a bad breakup playlist on repeat. Meanwhile, Eleven is stuck playing hide-and-seek with Chief Hopper, desperately trying to find her long-lost “sister” Kali. The finale tries to be epic with Eleven going all superhero to combat the evil Mind Flayer, but let’s be real—it was a bit of a slog with an awkward mix of military drama and teenage angst. On the plus side, we met Max and Billy, who brought some much-needed spice to the group. Max is imperfectly intriguing, and Billy is like that stormy cloud you can’t help but be drawn to. Still, the pacing was off, and Will’s visions? They went from intriguing to ‘yawn’ faster than a Netflix binge. Plus, the sidelining of Nancy and Jonathan felt like a betrayal. Kali’s character popped in and out like a bad movie sequel—great concept, poorly executed!

4. Season 5: The Grand Finale

It’s the endgame, folks! Vecna is back and looking snazzy as Henry Creel—at least when he’s not terrifyingly crashing children’s birthday parties. Season 5 features Will finally gaining some control over the chaotic mind-melding, and Max’s resurrection, which is great and all, but really, there wasn’t much else of substance. Just endless battles and character fates hanging in limbo like a bad cliffhanger. This season had it all: epic battles, heartfelt farewells, and those disjointed moments that left us wondering if we should cry or laugh awkwardly. But hey, the finale was cinematic—a real popcorn-worthy showdown! Just pray you don’t get too lost in the dialogue since some lines felt rustier than a haunted attic.

3. Season 4: A World Apart

Season 4 takes us beyond the bounds of Hawkins as our squad splits up like the best of high school friendships. Hop is a supposed ghost, and our gang encounters Vecna and some rather sinister military shenanigans. New characters pop up, like our lovable metalhead Eddie Munson, making his presence felt with epic guitar solos and endless social media memes. This season was packed with tension, iconic moments—Max getting captured while jamming to Kate Bush, anyone?—and some serious dark vibes. But let’s face it, sometimes it felt like it was trying just a bit too hard. Jumping from California to Hawkins to Russia felt like we were running a marathon with too many pit stops. Still, it set the stage for the final showdown, so at least we had that!

2. Season 3: A Sweet Summer Adventure

Ah, Season 3—the summer blockbuster of the series where the kids swap their spooky escapades for sunny afternoons at the new Starcourt Mall. Who needs horror when you can have ice cream and awkward teen romances? Everyone’s looking fabulous in the latest 80’s styles, and the whole vibe makes you want to grab your sunglasses and a slushy. Sure, there’s a secret Russian lab hiding in the mall’s basement (classic), and Billy becomes the target of a monstrous parasite that has everyone shouting, “run for your life!” But the balance between lighthearted fun and serious scares makes this season a refreshing twist after the gloom of the previous ones. All in all, it felt like a colorful reboot that got us hooked all over again!

1. Season 1: The Original Magic

Let’s face it: Season 1 of Stranger Things is still the golden child. A boy goes missing, his friends band together, and we’re treated to a tale dripping with nostalgia and juicy mysteries. The charm of the small-town setting, the relatable characters, and that teaser about the upside-down world is the art of storytelling at its best! This season brought the perfect mix of sci-fi, heart, and suspense, with characters that made you laugh, cry, and maybe even cringe. Everything felt right, from the storyline pacing to the delightful throwbacks to the ’80s. Truly, Season 1 was less like a TV show and more like a fantastic ride you didn’t want to end. It smashed expectations, and for us die-hard fans, it’s still the best flavor in the menu!